Trip Report: Gregorio Luperón International Airport (Puerto Plata International Airport) in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

The following is a summary of a trip report covering Gregorio Luperón International Airport (Puerto Plata International Airport) following a visit from our Global Vendor Team.

Report Details

• Visit Date: 7/18/2023
• Country: Dominican Republic
• Airport Name: Puerto Plata International Airport
• ICAO Code: MDPP
• IATA Code: POP

Airport General Information

For entire country, airport, and NOTAM information, log into myWorld App or Online Flight Planning. If you need credentials, click here.

Puerto Plata International Airport is located on the northern shore of the Dominican Republic, just north of Santiago de Los Caballeros, the biggest city in this part of the island. The airport is open 24 hours a day and has one runway (8/26). While its main business is commercial aviation, it has significant GA traffic. 

For departures from the FBO, parking is on the left as you approach the terminal. The FBO’s check-in area is in the same building as the commercial terminal but tucked away from the commercial check-in counters. The FBO has all the expected amenities, including VIP lounges, a meeting room, WIFI, etc. Screening and Immigration is onsite, so there is no reason to go over to the commercial side. When ready to depart, it’s a quick walk from the FBO airside door to the ramp.

On arrival, the GA ramp to the FBO takes a couple of minutes and provides plenty of privacy. Again, Immigration and Customs will be in the FBO area for the crew and passengers.

There are only two fuel trucks at the airport, so if it gets congested, the GA traffic will have to wait for fuel..

Airport Location

Distance to/from downtown Puerto Plata: 11.9 miles/19.2 Kms

Time to/from downtown Puerto Plata: Usually 30 minutes. 

The distances and times to the nearby resorts vary. 

General Aviation Area Description

Approx. number of aircraft accommodated: 30+ on the FBO ramp

Number of GA ground handlers: 2 (Cariports and Servair)

Ramp controlled by Airport, GAT, or FBOs: Airport

Distance between GA area and main terminal: 270 feet / 83m to the terminal/FBO (same building)

GA permits and slot required: Charter landing permit

Notice required for permits and slots: Minimum 48 hours for permits

Notes for GA parking: GA parking area is managed very well. The commercial area can be used as overflow, if necessary.

Commercial Area Description

Approx. number of aircraft accommodated: 10

Types of commercial traffic using the airport: Airlines 

Commercial permit and slots required: Landing permit

Notice period for commercial slots and permits: 7 days for landing permits

Customs & Immigration

Both can be processed in the FBO building. 

Ground Transportation

The handlers use third-party transportation providers for both crew and passengers.

Catering

Catering is through JJ ROCA and PITIRI.

Security

Security Level: 3

President Luis Rodolfo Abinader Corona of the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRD) began his presidency on 16 August 2020 after defeating Gonzalo Castillo of the Dominican Liberation Party (PLD) in the 2020 general election by a margin of 52.52% of total votes to 37.46%. Along with strengthening the country's strategic relationship with the U.S., modernizing the Dominican Republic's energy infrastructure has been central to the Abinader administration's objectives. High levels of corruption at all levels of government, law enforcement, and business continue to persist throughout the country. Petty theft and violent crime are the primary security concerns in the Dominican Republic. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt transit and other services. Corruption is pervasive, and the country serves as a central hub for drug smuggling; cartels involved in drug trafficking actively operate in the Dominican Republic. Due to its geographical location in the center of the Antillean archipelago, the Dominican Republic is vulnerable to weather-related natural disasters, such as tropical storms and hurricanes, and resulting floods and landslides.

*This information is provided by United Healthcare Global Risk

Handler Information

For full handler information, log into myWorld App or Online Flight Planning. If you need credentials, click here

• Servair
• Cariports